Horrie received his award in Rio de Janeiro at the World Rowing Coaches Conference Gala Dinner after being chosen ahead of last year's winners and fellow Australian rowers Kathyrn Ross and Gavin Bellis, as well as Norway's Birgit Skarstein.

Horrie had only taken up rowing three years ago after switching from wheelchair basketball.

He won a World Championship bronze in his first year of the sport and followed by silver at London 2012. 

The Australian was nominated for the award after he successfully defended his 2013 world title in arms, shoulders men's single sculls (ASM1x) at the 2014 World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam.

"This rounds off a great 2014 for me and I am overwhelmed and extremely honoured to be receiving this accolade," said Horrie.

"I was nominated alongside two fantastic crews, including of course my team-mates Kathryn and Gavin, and to all the nominees I would like to say congratulations."

Horrie, a member of Sydney Rowing Club, had been training in Rio de Janeiro ahead of receiving the award.

"It's been fantastic to come out for a few days and be able to do some training in the city that will host the 2016 Paralympic Games," he said. 

"Hopefully if all goes to plan with Paralympic qualification next year in Aiguebelette I'll be back here again in 2016 in a bid to win a Paralympic gold."

Australia's Erik Horrie won a Paralympic silver medal at London 2012 only two years after switching to rowing from wheelchair basketball ©Getty Images

Rowing Australia High Performance Director Chris O'Brien led the praise.

"I'd like to congratulate Erik on winning this year's award and also his coach Jason for their achievements over the 2014 season," he said. 

"Erik, along with Kathryn Ross and Gavin Bellis, have won consecutive world titles in 2013 and 2014, while debutants Jeremy McGrath and Kate Murdoch claimed silver at this year's World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam, all signs that indicate the Australian para-rowing program is going from strength to strength and long may it continue."

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